Nevada sits in the heart of the US Southwest. It’s a desert-dominated state with mountain ranges running north to south. Most people know the casinos and resorts of Las Vegas, but that’s only one corner of what’s here. The rest of the state is wide, rural, and sparsely populated, with landscapes that swing from red sandstone canyons to alpine peaks, volcanic craters, and sparkling lakes where you can drive for an hour without seeing another car.
Why Visit Nevada
Nevada is versatile. You can stay for the neon and entertainment of Las Vegas, or trade the Strip for snow-capped peaks, strange roadside attractions, quiet hiking trails, or skiable mountains.
What makes Nevada worth the trip:
- National parks, slot canyons, and sandstone playgrounds
- High-elevation escapes when the desert cooks
- Ghost towns, atomic history, and Area 51 lore
- Hot springs, dark skies, and long stretches of backroad nothing (in a good way)
- Easy road-trip logistics with room to roam
Top Destinations in Nevada
Las Vegas Strip
Entertainment, shows, casinos, world-class hotels, and late nights. Most Nevada trips start here.
Las Vegas Off-Strip
Local hikes, desert art installations, quiet parks, and non-casino experiences like Lone Mountain and Seven Magic Mountains. A good base if you want adventure without staying on the Strip.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Close to Vegas with hiking, climbing, and a scenic loop drive. Best early mornings or weekdays for fewer cars.
Valley of Fire
Red sandstone arches, slot canyons, and short scenic hikes about an hour from Vegas. Strong sunrise/sunset photography.
Mount Charleston
High-elevation trails, pine forest shade, snow in winter, and reliable summer cooling when Vegas cooks.
Lake Mead & Hoover Dam
Reservoir viewpoints, desert coves, marina access, kayaking launches, and one of the most impressive engineering sites in the U.S. Easy to pair with Vegas day trips or scenic drives into Arizona.
Where to go in Nevada
Here are some of the most popular places to explore in Nevada. Most people spend time in either Southern Nevada (the Strip) or Northern Nevada (Tahoe area).
Southern Nevada (Las Vegas region + day trips)
Best for first-time visitors, red rock hiking, kayaking, and warm winter escapes.
Main Locations:
- Las Vegas Strip
- Off-Strip (local trailheads, art installations, quieter stays)
Close Day Trips:
- Red Rock Canyon — trails, climbing, scenic drive
- Valley of Fire — slot canyons, sandstone glow
- Lake Mead + Hoover Dam — water access + engineering landmark
- Willow Beach/Colorado River Corridor — paddling + canyon walls
Good for: short trips, flexible weather, sunrise hiking + neon nights.
Northern Nevada (Reno, Tahoe, and the Great Basin)
Bigger distances, alpine terrain, and fewer crowds once you leave the city grid.
Main Locations:
- Reno — urban gateway to mountains & Tahoe
- Lake Tahoe (NV side) — beaches, hiking, ski terrain
Wide-Open Wilderness:
- Great Basin National Park — dark skies, caves, bristlecones
- Ruby Mountains / Lamoille Canyon — backpacking & alpine lakes
Odd + Remote:
- Ghost Town Route — Goldfield, Tonopah, Rhyolite
- ET Highway + Area 51 corridor — desert lore + long roads
Good for: road trips, cooler temps, remote travel, stargazing.
When to Visit Nevada
Southern Nevada (Las Vegas, Red Rock, Valley of Fire, Lake Mead)
| Season | What to Expect | Best For / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | Mild days, cold nights | Best time for desert hiking; occasional rain/wind |
| Spring | Warm days, ideal temps | Prime Red Rock & Valley of Fire conditions |
| Summer | Very hot — limited shade | Sunrise hikes only; Lake Mead water access helps, many trails close |
| Fall | Similar to spring, slightly warmer | Reliable hiking, fewer storms, great photography |
Northern + Higher Elevation Nevada (Rubies, Tahoe NV Side, Great Basin)
| Season | What to Expect | Best For / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | Snow, cold, full alpine conditions | Skiing/snowshoeing near Tahoe & Ruby Mountains |
| Spring | Snowmelt period, muddy trails | Lower elevations open first; alpine may lag |
| Summer | Cool-to-warm days, cold nights possible | Best backpacking & high-country hiking window |
| Fall | Crisp temps, golden aspens | Top time for long hikes and Great Basin astronomy |
Nevada Travel Basics
Nevada is easy to navigate, especially if you’re flying into Las Vegas and using it as a base. Distances grow quickly once you leave the metro area, so planning around fuel, water, and drive time matters more here than in most states.
Airports
- Las Vegas (LAS) — primary entry point for most visitors
- Reno–Tahoe International (RNO) — best for northern Nevada, Tahoe, Rubies
- Small regional airports exist, but flight availability varies
Transportation & Roads
- A rental car is the simplest way to get around as public transit is limited outside Vegas. If you plan to stay exclusively on the strip, ride share or taxis is usually the easiest.
- Most major parks and towns are accessible by standard vehicle.
- High-clearance or AWD helps on some backroads but isn’t required most places.
- Download offline maps. Large areas have little to no service.
Driving Distances (approximate)
From Las Vegas (Strip):
| Destination | Drive Time |
|---|---|
| Red Rock Canyon | ~30 mins |
| Valley of Fire State Park | ~1 hour |
| Mt. Charleston | ~1 hour |
| Lake Mead / Hoover Dam | ~40–60 mins |
From Reno / Tahoe area:
| Destination | Drive Time |
|---|---|
| Lake Tahoe (NV side) | ~1 hour |
| Black Rock Desert | ~2–3 hours |
| Great Basin National Park | ~5–6 hours |
Nevada by Interest
If you prefer to plan trips around a theme instead of a destination, check out these top adventures.
| If you like… | Good Picks |
|---|---|
| Red rock + short hikes | Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire |
| High-elevation escapes | Mt. Charleston, Ruby Mountains |
| Kayaking or water access | Lake Mead, Willow Beach, Lake Tahoe |
| Weird desert stops | Seven Magic Mountains, ET Highway |
| Ghost towns & history | Tonopah, Goldfield, Rhyolite, Delamar |
| Dark skies + remote travel | Great Basin, Central Nevada |
| Skiing or winter mountain trips | Mt. Charleston, Tahoe NV side |
Where We’ve Been
Below is our interactive Nevada map, showing every location we’ve personally visited so far and more places we’d like to explore. Each pin opens to a guide, hike, scenic drive, or offbeat stop — click around, zoom in, and explore.